tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78675310002340937912023-11-16T01:15:44.342-05:00Identia BlogThoughts, information, and analysis for the architectural sign and environmental design communities. Signage, wayfinding, design, technology, and more.
Identia provides innovative solutions for architectural sign companies and EGD firms with Identia Online project documentation and mangement software, as well as an interior modular sign system.Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-12676479073268291172010-11-03T15:13:00.009-04:002010-11-23T13:05:40.261-05:00Architectural Signage Survey Results<div style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><br />
What We Learned From Our Survey</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
Earlier this year, we conducted a survey of architectural sign companies as part of an ongoing effort to compile information about the workings of our industry. Our survey focused on the process by which architects design and specify sign programs. Before we share the results, I think it would be helpful to layout some background information.<br />
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Everyone in the industry is familiar with sign programs that are designed by EGD firms and architectural signage specialists. While you may quibble with the design of a given program, these sign programs are normally well documented, and they almost always are the result of a serious design effort. We put these projects into Bucket 1.<br />
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Those of us who work for architectural sign companies are also familiar with a very different kind of sign program: one which is specified by an architect and incorporated into the general construction documents of a building project, but one which lacks the basic information that is necessary for pricing and fabrication. Sign drawings, message schedules, and location plans are all missing, and the only available information is typically found in a vague and confusing section 10-14-00 specification. This kind of sign program is not the result of a serious design process, and we put jobs of this type into Bucket 2.<br />
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The primary purpose of our survey was to try and figure out how often architectural sign companies encounter projects that belong in Bucket 2, and to understand how they handle them.<br />
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Here is a quick summary of the survey results:</div><ul style="font-family: verdana;"><li>There were a total of 140 respondents.</li>
<li>There were 109 respondents who do mostly architectural work, interact with architects, prepare bids, and receive deficient specs.</li>
<li>Of these, 55% receive deficient specs more than 50% of the time. 12% reported that they received deficient specs on almost every project that they bid.</li>
<li>86% reported that for the poor specs, that the sign company was responsible for untangling the signage requirements and extracting the necessary information for fabrication and installation.</li>
<li>The biggest negative consequence of the poor signage specifications is that comparing bids was made very difficult.</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://identiasigns.com/main/2010surveyresults.html" target="_blank">The survey questions and results can be seen in detail here</a>.</div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Why Is This Important?</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
We found an overwhelming number (96%) of architectural sign companies have had experience with sign specifications that are vague, contradictory, or incomplete. We have also discovered this is not an isolated or unusual event: 57% of the survey respondents say that they encounter this type of documentation on more than 50% of the projects they try to bid.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="font-family: verdana;">So we know that signage for thousands of building projects in the United States is governed by poorly crafted specifications and construction documents, and sign design responsibility is ceded by the architect to the sign contractor. These projects include schools, libraries, assisted living facilities, condominiums, university dormitories, municipal buildings and many, many more.</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
What can we infer and deduce from these results?</div><ol style="font-family: verdana;"><li>It is safe to assume that poor specifications result in poor implementations. While there are certainly examples of an architectural sign company dutifully fleshing out poor specifications, we also believe that there are an equal number of – if not more – cases where this is not done. The signage product on these projects typically reflects a lowest common denominator profile of design, cost, and product quality.</li>
<li>Signage is governed by many national, state, and local codes and regulations. Without a sign specialist assisting with a project, it is likely that code compliance errors or omissions are routine occurrences.</li>
<li>Many sign specifications focus only on code-compliant signs, or include vague statement such as "put a sign at every door". These specs omit the many important functional and wayfinding signs are that are critical to the operational characteristics of a building, but go beyond what is required by codes.</li>
</ol><div style="font-family: verdana;">What difference does this make to you and your architectural sign company?</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
No difference at all. This information is meaningless to you, provided you want to ignore the largest untapped sales opportunity for architectural signage in our market.</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
What do we mean?</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
These projects that are governed by poor specifications represent thousands of small and medium sized projects executed every year in the US. Instead of receiving poor quality specs for these projects, imagine instead that you were hired to create the design documentation for the architect, or that you engaged in a consultative sales approach with the architect that led to improved specs, or even that you turned projects into design-build jobs for your company.</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
However, if you want to sell signs for these projects, the results of this survey clearly indicate that the key lies with the architect. The current process by which architects design and specify signage is seriously flawed – possibly because the architect doesn’t understand all of the options available to them. If we as an industry work with architects to change the process, we can change the profile of the signage installed on their projects.</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
I have never spoken with an architect or a building owner who said they wanted the signage on their project to be shoddy or poorly designed. To the contrary, they want the signage on their projects to be well designed, manufactured to high quality standards, and properly installed.</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
Our industry's task is to show them how to do it.</div>Travis Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01642966634198424197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-89330358356392797952010-05-27T12:02:00.009-04:002010-11-23T12:49:36.995-05:00More Thoughts about Signs and Design-Build<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lnCP5UtSgAnOza4rB_2kjE_ug3mQ9j0xgRuQs11SwdkVUqDJAu-LZ0FevpvveXsmMeXmI2NN3NLc26K6kvEQgZPdLjWcyqyssrnGFw8A-ZFUrM0NQ_mdvNz1fGCGmlZZJcQ94V0euOZQ/s1600/0510designbuild.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475981628550547074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lnCP5UtSgAnOza4rB_2kjE_ug3mQ9j0xgRuQs11SwdkVUqDJAu-LZ0FevpvveXsmMeXmI2NN3NLc26K6kvEQgZPdLjWcyqyssrnGFw8A-ZFUrM0NQ_mdvNz1fGCGmlZZJcQ94V0euOZQ/s400/0510designbuild.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 121px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have spent considerable time over the last several months investigating how architectural sign programs are designed and implemented, and it has become increasingly clear that the Design-Build model has a significant role to play in this process. That part of the big picture is in pretty sharp focus, but it’s so easy to get caught up in the nitty-gritty details, you can lose track of exactly why this is a good thing for architectural sign companies. Here are the 3 most important reasons we think you ought to be excited about Design-Build, and why it should be in the mix as you plan for the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Conversion rates.</b> I'm not talking about dollars to euros here. I am talking about the number of proposals that are converted into real revenue generating projects. For our small firm in the Boston area, we have converted more than 70% of the Design-Build proposals we submitted over the last 2 years into actual jobs. This compares with a success rate of less than 20% on traditional "Design-Bid-Build" projects that we have pursued. It is true that writing a successful proposal is time-consuming, but the return is nothing short of remarkable. I will go out on a limb here and predict that this model will be adopted by more and more architectural signage companies, and I would not be at all surprised to see EGD firms sticking their toes into the water as well.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Collaboration opportunities.</b> The subject of design-build is a touchy one within the EGD community and understandably so. This is particularly true of projects where the architectural signage company finds itself in a lead role. However, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that there is real potential for collaboration here. From our perspective, the design-build process can only succeed when competent design skills are brought to bear on the project, and although some architectural signage companies have qualified in-house designers, many do not. It would be natural, and mutually beneficial, for qualified signage companies and independent EGD firms to form partnerships for the purpose of executing specific projects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Playing to your strength.</b> Design-build, as a business model gives you the control you need to leverage your experience and professional expertise so that you can produce great solutions for your customers, while maintaining the profit margins you need to grow. It is an innovative approach to the future that can make your architectural signage business more dynamic and more profitable because it encourages you to focus your efforts on doing what you do best.</span>Travis Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01642966634198424197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-51422874328257656352010-05-26T15:28:00.005-04:002010-05-27T11:57:46.388-04:00Design-Build Article<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kenilworth.com/publications/smc/de/201005/30.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrCLtj1GZW61rYruJ66BSRBuoas6RQMTbwYzAlnWOFGoSL9Uz-kGPGP31kBxydbHkNWHRijV3i6EQaeHBCcy7pk58RJLZ7E5tJdHygF363abLPmgRo7shpM_POMUljgDzXwdUJ1A0eME/s400/db-article.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475663485956732978" border="0" /></a><p style="font-family: verdana;">Last month, Travis delivered a seminar about the design-build process at the ISA International Sign Expo. His article based on that seminar appears in the current issue of "Sign Media Canada".</p> <p style="font-family: verdana;">» <a href="http://www.kenilworth.com/publications/smc/de/201005/30.html" target="_blank">Click here to read the article</a>.</p>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-16010259558851282122010-05-25T10:48:00.003-04:002010-05-25T10:52:50.466-04:00Identia Online & Project Information Management<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaORPVQysV1ZUOFrXcjC6_xyYhMFaMH3WOPD46GhoNMZp0S2o_CA5IJdkPRJDce71JMiDCjUp75VKtPaaSkVEGW_hiu987bVy4QzGfe7awRi2owqbaq8w_AoDTXy9LCOlIcMLMNGKzxAw/s1600/1009main.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaORPVQysV1ZUOFrXcjC6_xyYhMFaMH3WOPD46GhoNMZp0S2o_CA5IJdkPRJDce71JMiDCjUp75VKtPaaSkVEGW_hiu987bVy4QzGfe7awRi2owqbaq8w_AoDTXy9LCOlIcMLMNGKzxAw/s400/1009main.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475220580912661298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Project Information Management (PIM) is critical for the successful delivery of architectural sign projects, and there is a lot of project information to manage: sign message schedules, sign location plans, sign type specifications, construction documents, conceptual drawings, client communications, etc.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The biggest problems with architectural sign projects generally tend to be with product quality and information management. While much attention is paid by sign companies towards addressing the product quality issues, too often PIM is not given the attention it merits. Part of the reason for this is that until now any solution to the PIM problem has been unavailable or too costly. Identia Online is the first purpose-built cost-effective PIM tool for architectural sign projects.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">In order to grow your company effectively, correct and efficient PIM will be more important than ever. You cannot afford to have projects slowed or derailed by the inability to manage the important details of each sign. A robust, easy to use, and globally accessible information platform will be necessary in order to accomplish your business growth goals.</span>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-29657937471014965602010-02-26T11:17:00.004-05:002010-02-26T11:23:49.245-05:00Blogs, News, and Other Links: February 2010<p style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="https://www.behance.net/kasiatheslav/frame/151615" target="_blank">Children's Hospital in Poland</a></b></p><p style="font-family: verdana;">Portfolio of signage, wayfinding, and graphics for a Polish children's hospital [<a href="https://www.behance.net/kasiatheslav/frame/151615" target="_blank">Kasia Kaczmarek</a>]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.gnugroup.com/blog/?p=336" target="_blank">Healthcare Wayfinding</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Thoughts on healthcare wayfinding [<a href="http://www.gnugroup.com/blog/?p=336" target="_blank">GNU Group</a>]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.corbindesign.com/wayfindings/2010/02/04/the-value-of-glocalization/" target="_blank">The Value of Glocalization</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Thinking locally and nationally when in comes to wayfinding and signage [<a href="http://www.corbindesign.com/wayfindings/2010/02/04/the-value-of-glocalization/" target="_blank">Corbin Design</a>]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://aiga.org/content.cfm/setting-sights-on-the-arrow" target="_blank">Setting Sights on the Arrow</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Article about that most basic but important symbol: the arrow [<a href="http://aiga.org/content.cfm/setting-sights-on-the-arrow" target="_blank">AIGA</a>]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arrowsandicons.com/articles/the-changing-landscape-of-education-in-egd/" target="_blank">Changing Landscape of EGD Education</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">EGD education at universities [<a href="http://www.arrowsandicons.com/articles/the-changing-landscape-of-education-in-egd/" target="_blank">Arrows & Icons</a>]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0589950.htm" target="_blank">Cisco Simplifies Digital Signage</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Cisco offers their Digital Media Creative Services [<a href="http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0589950.htm" target="_blank">CNN Money</a>]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://signweb.com/content/embellishing-fenway-south" target="_blank">Signage at new Red Sox training facility</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">A look at the signs at the Red Sox new spring training facility in Florida [<a href="http://signweb.com/content/embellishing-fenway-south" target="_blank">signweb.com</a>]</p>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-29107399902052884462010-02-02T11:55:00.011-05:002010-11-23T13:00:22.251-05:00Lousy Signage in Well-Designed Buildings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmW_YHtRrJY3N0sc6bZpbjWgXafXIjTOz5YyWXOMJdBj-1FgH_LBKI1xVkuBS72mq9WvN_l4E_Jz67j5sAD3ZOJnS4aGU8gUM5dRzmIUHKkxLH9Qi2ZMcRPAQjNsAhutw7_npfsipJ72So/s1600-h/spec-101400.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433708078663348658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmW_YHtRrJY3N0sc6bZpbjWgXafXIjTOz5YyWXOMJdBj-1FgH_LBKI1xVkuBS72mq9WvN_l4E_Jz67j5sAD3ZOJnS4aGU8gUM5dRzmIUHKkxLH9Qi2ZMcRPAQjNsAhutw7_npfsipJ72So/s400/spec-101400.gif" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 238px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our company in the Boston area, like architectural signage firms everywhere, routinely receives bid requests from general contractors for the "signage" subcontract portion of construction projects. Unfortunately, we usually encounter documentation that is so seriously flawed we are unable to prepare an accurate bid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are just a few of the problems we have seen:</span><br />
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<ol><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The signage documentation package normally includes a written spec, but almost never includes drawings, a sign message schedule, or sign location plans.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The sign contractor is required to submit construction shop drawings for signage, but is given little information about critical variables such as overall size, typestyle, or graphic layout. In other words, design responsibility for the signage elements is assigned to the signage contractor.<a name='more'></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The sign contractor is required to compile and submit a message schedule for approval, but there is no indication as to where the text information for specific signs is to be found.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In most instances the specifications on these projects include a blanket statement stipulating overall code compliance, but since they do little to define actual code requirements, the responsibility for code compliance is also assigned to the sign contractor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Products are specified that do not exist, such as "cast stainless steel letters", or approved manufacturers are listed that are no longer in business.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Confusing signage specifications are created when information is copied from past projects, or directly from product specifications, without making the necessary selections or editing for the projects’ requirements.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana;">These specifications almost never include a quantification of the scope of the signage work, leave bidders to do their own "take-off" based on vague information, and invariably result in multiple bids that are simply not comparable.</span></li>
</ol><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What other problems do you encounter?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">Because of these kinds of problems, the signage installed on thousands of building projects in the United States is governed by poorly crafted documents, and often reflects a lowest common denominator profile of design, cost, and product quality.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">I have never spoken with an architect who said they did not want the signage on their projects to be well designed, manufactured to high quality standards, and properly installed. Unfortunately, the signage on many projects is falling well short of these goals, and the creation of better construction documents would be a good way to start improving the status quo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">Our firm has developed a unique approach to CSI format spec writing for signage. If you would like to see a copy of a typical specification that illustrates this approach, give us a call or <a href="mailto:tveigas@whitneyveigas.com">drop us a line</a> and we would be happy to share.</span>Travis Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01642966634198424197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-60499854795589592002010-01-12T09:34:00.007-05:002010-01-12T10:22:01.815-05:00Environmental Graphics and Design Excellence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaRrppo1W3OeMu1TA7Esszy5JfDGwsJY6I39D9S2PtyyUVxtwXKNn_Q4wuwxW8k8uY6KS_tjuMMtpEl9d2w57DhdcIDPWFhlF4RSOXOHC3HYdoq57U7ML_D9F6inIi6XAl6JrarHwzvy_/s1600-h/IMG_2674.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaRrppo1W3OeMu1TA7Esszy5JfDGwsJY6I39D9S2PtyyUVxtwXKNn_Q4wuwxW8k8uY6KS_tjuMMtpEl9d2w57DhdcIDPWFhlF4RSOXOHC3HYdoq57U7ML_D9F6inIi6XAl6JrarHwzvy_/s400/IMG_2674.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425862581573928818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">The coveted Harleston Parker Medal was established in 1921, and is awarded annually to recognize "such architects as shall have, in the opinion of the Boston Society of Architects. . . completed the erection for any private citizen, association, corporation, or public authority, the most beautiful piece of architecture, building, monument or structure within the limits of the City of Boston or of the Metropolitan Parks District".</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">A nine member jury empanelled by the BSA has recently issued its report and recommended that the Harleston Parker for 2009 be awarded to the Parker Community Boathouse designed by Anmahian Winton Architects. The entire report of the BSA jury may be </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.architects.org/documents/awards/hp/HPJuryReport2009.pdf" target="_blank">seen here</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">In the words of the report: "The boathouse stood out amongst the nominations this year in its ability to embody many of the different notions of beauty that had been advanced. The building is a striking presence on the water. Its rich wood panels and articulated facade draw attention to the structure, yet it remains elegant and simple."</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYz5kqiEPSBl5ltDqTnt9sm0ayU58BNtJg2zjOu7WVYUl1t7H61hVhjef01Erc2g7g9UuPAy7XgVTJOzRGkNOBJR1acy97I31R_jwuAVYWJgSEHu3O7E1I4vinIIRk3cCGVtFmqTeGwRD/s1600-h/dualimage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYz5kqiEPSBl5ltDqTnt9sm0ayU58BNtJg2zjOu7WVYUl1t7H61hVhjef01Erc2g7g9UuPAy7XgVTJOzRGkNOBJR1acy97I31R_jwuAVYWJgSEHu3O7E1I4vinIIRk3cCGVtFmqTeGwRD/s400/dualimage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425862773188903986" /></a><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://whitneyveigas.com/" target="_blank">Our firm</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> made a small contribution to the boathouse by implementing an architectural signage program for the project. The program consisted of several sets of stainless steel lettering, some donor recognition signs, and a small number of </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://identiasigns.com/signsystem/index.html" target="_blank">Identia Sign System</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> plaque signs to identify functional spaces within the building.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The design of the signage was handled in a collaborative manner by the architect, the owner, and our office. We believe the design character of the signage is instructive: it is restrained, well detailed, and simple. It is also consistent with a design orientation that endorses the idea that signage is a functional background product that should be subordinated to architectural priorities, and which ought to complement architectural features, rather than compete with them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This point of view does not imply that signage should be overlooked. It only suggests that signage should take its appropriate place within the entire building system and perform its task effectively, and without excessive fanfare.</span>Travis Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01642966634198424197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-51840170727937754802009-12-30T14:16:00.003-05:002009-12-30T14:24:23.738-05:00Blogs, News, and Other Links: December 2009<p style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="http://www.designworkplan.com/wayfinding/sign09-vienna.htm" target="_blank">Sign09 Vienna Seminars</a></b></p><p style="font-family: verdana;">A summary of one day's worth of seminars at Sign09 in Vienna. [designworkplan]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.corbindesign.com/wayfindings/2009/12/11/managing-patient-information-public-vs-private-space/" target="_blank">Patient Room Information</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Study of patient room information signs [Corbin Design]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.ddandfblog.com/news/ddf-completes-muhammad-ali-parkinson-center/" target="_blank">New Signs At Parkinson's Center</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">New signs at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix [DD&F]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://blog.idlab.com.au/2009/12/21/falls-creek-wayfinding/" target="_blank">Wayfinding Project at Ski Resort</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Wayfinding project for ski resort in Australia [ID/Lab] </p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arrowsandicons.com/2009/12/identity-in-three-dimensions/" target="_blank">Branded Environments</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Article on branded environments and identities [Arrows & Icons]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://hq.construction.com/case_studies/0912_autodesk.asp" target="_blank">New Techniques for Autodesk's Headquarters</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Article on how Autodesk's new building utilized BIM and IPD techniques [HQ Construction]</p>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-684429037478652422009-12-01T12:13:00.003-05:002009-12-01T12:15:56.878-05:00Blogs, News, and Other Links: November 2009<p style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="http://signweb.com/content/a-platinum-and-green-education" target="_blank">Green Signs and Platinum Status</a></b></p><p style="font-family: verdana;">Identia Online subscribers <a href="http://www.archetypesign.com/" target="_blank">Archetype Signmakers</a> responsible for green signage at new college campus building that contributes towards LEED Platinum accreditation. [SignWeb]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/sb/sbi1109/#/44" target="_blank">New Airport Identity</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Identia Online subscribers <a href="http://indigosignworks.com/" target="_blank">Indigo Signworks</a> create main identification sign for Hector International Airport in Fargo, ND. [Sign Builder Illustrated>]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://pentagram.com/en/new/2009/11/new-work-the-cooper-union.php" target="_blank">New Signs for Cooper Union</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">New signs designed by Pentagram at Cooper Union in NYC. [Pentagram]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/sb/sbi1109/#/36" target="_blank">Designing Intelligent Navigation Systems</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Wayfinding design article [Sign Builder Illustrated]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arrowsandicons.com/2009/11/how-can-egd-be-part-of-the-leed-movement/" target="_blank">EGD and LEED</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">Article examines how EGD can contribute to LEED certification. [Arrows & Icons]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.lsu.edu/highlights/2009/11/wayfinding.shtml" target="_blank">LSU's New Wayfinding System</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Louisiana Statue University works on new wayfinding system. [lsu.edu]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/11/02/smallb1.html?b=1257138000^2354711&s=sbc:1" target="_blank">Signs Point to More Business for GNU</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Profile of EGD firm, GNU Group. [San Francisco Business Times]</p>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-89755887794516349492009-11-23T14:02:00.001-05:002009-11-23T14:06:29.761-05:00Using Identia Online: Take-offs<span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://identiasigns.com/online/index.html" target="_blank">Identia Online</a> is a great tool to help with take-offs and estimating. Instead of using paper plans and a highlighter, create a project in Identia Online, load the location plans, and start placing markers!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Use the "Add Marker" button to place markers on the plans. Create one or more sign types to organize the markers. If you wish, add sign messages based on information from the plan. When you are finished, print out the sign schedule PDF and use the summary page to get a count for each sign type. Later, you can flesh out the details of the sign schedule, or export the data as an Excel file.</span>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-17105915706063961212009-11-02T10:16:00.004-05:002009-11-02T10:22:21.649-05:00Blogs, News, and Other Links: October 2009<p style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="http://www.commarts.com/Columns.aspx?pub=2645&pageid=1095" target="_blank">EGD and the ADA</a></b></p><p style="font-family: verdana;">Interview with several EGD firms about designing within ADA regulations. [Communication Arts]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2009/10/04/at_new_food_bank_good_work_inside_and_out/" target="_blank">Innovative Signage at Boston Food Bank</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Optical illusion greats drivers on side of new Greater Boston Food Bank building. [Boston Globe]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arrowsandicons.com/2009/10/design-tools-aiga-symbol-signs-collection/" target="_blank">AIGA Symbols</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">A collection of sign symbols in the latest issue of Arrows & Icons. Also in this issue: an article about New Jersey's statewide wayfinding program. [Arrows & Icons]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Blog&mod=View+Topic&mid=67D6564029914AD3B204AD35D8F5F780&tier=7&id=E5946A5BC4824828946B10DEDCCE0DCE" target="_blank">Wayfinding Starts in the Parking Garage</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Signage is often overlooked in hospital parking garages. [Healthcare Design]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.designworkplan.com/wayfinding/iphone-navigation.htm" target="_blank">Using iPhones for City Navigation</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Will iPhone apps change the future of city wayfinding?.[designworkplan]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.corbindesign.com/wayfindings/2009/10/21/fill-er-up/" target="_blank">Gas Pumps and Wayfinding</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">Compares wayfinding to the process of filling up.[Corbin Design]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://thegreenresourceguide.blogspot.com/2009/10/tampa-riverwalk-solar-signs-case-study.html" target="_blank">Tampa Riverwalk Solor Signs Case Study</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">Solar powered wayfinding signs in Tampa. [The Green Resource Guide]</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://blog.focusegd.com/?p=282" target="_blank">The Cost of Healthcare: EGD Edition</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">How responsible EGD can help reduce costs for health care facilities. [FocusEGD]</p>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-65642634267036319102009-10-28T10:31:00.003-04:002009-10-28T10:42:22.933-04:005 Sign Schedule Pitfalls to Avoid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjzfDkMmKqMkOr6pyS9nTb94pA_9UCxYydvs3fYGXMzCI55ht25ZJtx2RuqM_XHvhyekmZ82z8Dukyy5aHM_jilfdUZUfzeiK5bpWj7OrXd5giEQHN5XX1_fEbe68dxVpYwAA93Qj4emU/s1600-h/ss6.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjzfDkMmKqMkOr6pyS9nTb94pA_9UCxYydvs3fYGXMzCI55ht25ZJtx2RuqM_XHvhyekmZ82z8Dukyy5aHM_jilfdUZUfzeiK5bpWj7OrXd5giEQHN5XX1_fEbe68dxVpYwAA93Qj4emU/s400/ss6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397660747649682354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sign projects rarely fail because of poor type kerning, but I know from hard experience that they routinely self-destruct as a result of poor documentation and ineffective communication. At the heart of an effective signage documentation package is the Sign Message Schedule. Here are 5 pitfalls to avoid when compiling your sign schedule.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Too much or too little data.</span> You want to be like Goldilocks here and get it "just right". Some sign schedules don’t contain enough information to be useful, while others contain far too much. The sign schedule is part of a package of information that also includes sign location plans, sign type specifications, and drawings. Use the various components of the package to your benefit. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Unique sign type identifiers can act as a reference between sign specifications and the sign schedule, and unique sign numbers link between the sign schedule and the sign location plan. In this way all the pieces of documentation work together, and you can avoid cramming sign type specifications onto the sign schedule, or displaying the entire sign message on your location plan. Too much data on any given piece of the documentation generally results in confusion, not clarity.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Conversely, too little information in your sign schedule does a disservice to the fabricator, installer, and most importantly, the client. At a minimum, an effective sign schedule should contain:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sign Number:</span> differentiates individual signs and can be used to identify specific installation locations.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sign Type designation:</span> references the constructions specifications for each individual sign.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Quantity:</span> defines the quantity for identical signs.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sign Message section:</span> contains the actual text, and other graphic content that is to appear on each individual sign.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Notes section:</span> provides special instructions or information that pertains to an individual sign.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sign message schedules for complex and large projects can also incorporate additional types of information such as level designations, building names, or project phase indicators. This additional data can be helpful in managing large sign message schedules.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Inaccurate data.</span> This is pretty obvious, but if you want accurately fabricated signs, you need an accurate sign schedule. Reminds me of a conversation that I had with a sign buyer and a sign product manufacturer about the importance of accurate sign schedules. The sign buyer said, "What’s the big deal? You know what we want. So what if not every ‘i’ is dotted and not every ‘t’ is crossed?". The sign product manufacturer responded, "That’s fine, as long as you don’t mind if the signs we fabricate are missing some dotted i’s and crossed t’s." </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The point is that ultimately the quality of your sign schedule has a direct effect on the quality of the fabricated product. Leaving it up to the fabricator to figure things out will lead to errors, changes, and lost time and money. Save everyone headaches and provide an accurate sign schedule.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Inconsistency.</span> This is related to the accuracy issue I just discussed. All sign projects have stakeholders that must be informed and engaged. This requires that the sign schedule be available in a form that is easily read and reviewed. This review can be aided by displaying your messages in a consistent way and adopting standard conventions. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">For example, present the sign messages so that they are capitalized, punctuated, and formatted, as closely as is practical, to their appearance on the actual sign. In the case of multi-column signs this is not always possible, but let that be the exception to a well-followed rule. Also, be consistent in the presentation of non-text sign messages. For example, if you need to indicate the presence of a graphic symbol, and you choose to do this by putting a descriptive phrase such as "Male Toilet Symbol" with brackets or parenthesis, [Male Toilet Symbol], then follow that format consistently throughout your sign schedule.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Inflexible format.</span> Death, taxes, and changing sign schedules — all certainties. Trying to create sign schedules in a word processing program is a recipe for disaster. At the very least, create your sign schedule in a spreadsheet program where you can easily sort and rearrange your data. Better yet, use a database or a purpose-built program like <a href="http://identiasigns.com/online/index.html" target="_blank">Identia Online</a> to manage your sign schedule, and make changes faster and easier. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. No linkage to sign location plan.</span> The big disadvantage to creating your sign schedule in a spreadsheet or database, and then doing a sign location plan in a drawing program, is that the two pieces of documentation are not linked together. A change, or addition, in one often needs to be reflected in the other. On large projects this can lead to a lot of time wasted spent checking and rechecking sign schedules and location markers. How often have you asked yourself "Am I sure that every sign on my sign schedule is reflected on my location plans, and am I certain that every marker on my plans corresponds to an entry on my sign schedule?" Using a single software tool — such as <a href="http://identiasigns.com/online/index.html" target="_blank">Identia Online</a> — to create both your sign schedule and sign location plan saves time and headaches.</span>Travis Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01642966634198424197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-63856629750466824512009-10-26T10:55:00.002-04:002009-10-26T11:02:35.672-04:00What is a Browser?<span style="font-family: verdana;">In a</span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2009/10/27/google-explains-browsers/"> random survey conducted by Google</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> this summer in Times Square, only 8% of respondents knew the answer to this question. Google recently put together this nice little video on this topic.</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BrXPcaRlBqo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BrXPcaRlBqo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-25591972946761531532009-10-23T15:41:00.005-04:002009-10-23T20:22:27.991-04:00Using Identia Online: Donor Recognition<span style="font-family:verdana;">In the current issue of "<a href="http://digital.sdgmag.com/sdgmag/200911#pg42" target="_blank">Sign & Digital Graphics</a>", John Bosio (associate principal at architecture firm RMJM and director of MERJE, the firm's EGD practice) writes about how to create a donor recognition program. <a href="http://identiasigns.com/online/index.html" target="_blank">Identia Online</a> can be a valuable tool for managing donor recognition programs, as there is lots of vital information to track and organize (names, corporate identities, class years, etc.). Also, this information often requires many levels of detailed review. Using Identia Online's project information management features makes this process easier and alleviates many of the issues related with donor recognition programs.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://digital.sdgmag.com/sdgmag/200911#pg42" target="_blank">here</a> to read the article.<br /></span>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-73068256801499564562009-10-23T10:40:00.005-04:002009-10-23T20:23:51.177-04:00Redesigning the Stop Sign<span style="font-family:verdana;">What if a corporation was in charge of inventing stop signs? A funny parody on the designer-client relationship.</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xwqPYeTSYng&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xwqPYeTSYng&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-6568236555638612032009-10-12T13:46:00.004-04:002009-10-12T14:03:16.922-04:00Using Identia Online: Presentations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcnnmKFmcyk7nntQ2aj3fVcTnTSFcOLuYXIN2nt9dDnYCwYdZVqvPAzB7gtEkOcHoD4tzQv6Z3yCbPwB4JglX18PkH5BVKJrjHAKHhMTy7zaNiZfH1FIMmlYm-FC-UhelhxK1LJ-g1W0/s1600-h/identiaimage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcnnmKFmcyk7nntQ2aj3fVcTnTSFcOLuYXIN2nt9dDnYCwYdZVqvPAzB7gtEkOcHoD4tzQv6Z3yCbPwB4JglX18PkH5BVKJrjHAKHhMTy7zaNiZfH1FIMmlYm-FC-UhelhxK1LJ-g1W0/s320/identiaimage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391772586572850626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">At a recent job meeting, I had to report to the contractor’s site trailer for a final review of the sign schedule and sign location plans for a very large high school. It was daunting to contemplate flipping back and forth through 22 location plans and a 90 page sign schedule to find the scattered signs in question. Then I thought of taking just a laptop so I could review all of the documents at the meeting using Identia Online. A quick call to the contractor to confirm that they had Wi-Fi in the trailer and I was all set.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I decided to take a colleague with me - the person who had actually created the sign schedule. Being knowledgeable about the plans and the sign types, she could quickly scroll thru to the location in question, while I did the talking. She zoomed in on the plan so that it was large enough for everyone to see on the screen. Location markers were moved around, some signs were deleted, and some text was revised – right there at the meeting. </span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The fire marshal wanted stand pipe ID signs to be added and the architect could look over our shoulders and show us exactly where to place the markers on the plan. It went incredibly fast, and it was great to arrive at the meeting with just a slender laptop case, not burdened with armloads of binders and rolls of drawings. At the end, the senior project manager complimented us on how organized our presentation was.</span>Jean Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03571662111325039490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-55885528120893909612009-10-01T17:20:00.006-04:002009-10-02T10:32:15.819-04:00Architectural Signage, Environmental Graphics, and IPD<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfmL3wALKwAFJw4IHPCzfhdt5bc_oIGAQxNJymW4OrKoGKwQUvTcCTMz9FY20uNfFO6Wdy3trhCtY45unbm-4dskSnyXED7NgqocZ6LF-Rhs2rqhkxrX9wrFO3UEBmXFrBh86shiyb0uM/s1600-h/drawings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfmL3wALKwAFJw4IHPCzfhdt5bc_oIGAQxNJymW4OrKoGKwQUvTcCTMz9FY20uNfFO6Wdy3trhCtY45unbm-4dskSnyXED7NgqocZ6LF-Rhs2rqhkxrX9wrFO3UEBmXFrBh86shiyb0uM/s320/drawings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387752109883527490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">An article about IPD, or Integrated Project Delivery, appears in the <a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.architectmagazine.com/business/small-steps-toward-ipd.aspx" target="_blank">September 2009 issue of Architect magazine</a>, and I and was struck by its relevance to architectural signage, and environmental graphics. The importance of coordinating the development of sign and environmental graphic programs with the larger overall architectural design, engineering, and general construction process is self-evident, if not easily achieved. So here is a movement within the AEC community that is focused on increasing collaboration between project team members, transparent transfer of information, and risk sharing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">How might the work we do, and the processes we utilize as EGD professionals be altered or improved as we adapt to his larger schema?</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">For those interested in learning more about Integrated Project Delivery, the AIA has published a 62 page </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/AIAS077630" target="_blank">IPD Guide</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> that is available at no cost. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;" >Image credit: <a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1191990" target="_blank">Jana Kollarova</a></span>Travis Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01642966634198424197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-35048384740583658352009-09-29T09:47:00.008-04:002009-10-01T14:56:47.331-04:00Blogs, News, and Other Links: September 2009<p style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="http://www.bullcityrising.com/2009/09/durhams-wayfinding-system-finds-its-way-well-overall-save-for-some-cries-over-hues.html">Durham's New Wayfinding Program</a></b></p><p style="font-family: verdana;">A design professor from NC State critiques the new wayfinding program installed in Durham, NC.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arrowsandicons.com/2009/09/what-is-environmental-graphic-design/">What is Environmental Graphic Design?</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">One attempt to explain what EGD is and where it is going.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.signshop.com/picks/Santos-States%20and%20the%20ADA.html">States and the ADA</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">A handy list of accessibility regulations for each state. For more info on the ADA, see Sign Builder's <a href="http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/sb/sbi0809/#/66">special ADA supplement</a> in their August 2009 issue.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/09/02/holiday-inn-green-signage-yields-44m-savings-annually/">Holiday Inn ‘Green’ Signage</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">Holiday Inn needed new exterior signs for their rebranding effort and used efficient LED lighting.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://johnnyholland.org/2009/09/15/wayfinding-through-technology/">Wayfinding Through Technology</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">How technology can assist with wayfinding.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/sb/sbi0809/#/52">Architectural Signage Outlook</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">From the August 2009 issue of Sign Builder, a small article on the architectural signage market during this recession.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://opentype.info/blog/2009/09/02/designing-the-ultimate-wayfinding-typeface/">Traffic Sign Typefaces</a></b><p style="font-family: verdana;">A blog post about a new typeface created for highway signs and other wayfinding applications.</p>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-41718218526375567622009-09-21T11:03:00.009-04:002009-09-22T15:27:21.061-04:00Remembering Joan Goody<span style="font-family: verdana;">It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Joan Goody, principal of the architectural firm Goody Clancy. I have known of her and admired her for 30 years. For women of my generation, Joan was a beacon, showing the way through the labyrinth of the male-dominated world of architecture. I did not know her well enough to be privileged to call her a mentor, but she certainly was a role model. I was always impressed with her youthful vigor, right up to the last months of her life. I found her to be open and approachable and was amazed at her ability to remember names and faces of folks, even lowly sign design consultants like me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">More information on her professional life is <a href="http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2009/09/13/joan_goody_73_noted_architect_cultural_leader_in_boston/" target="_blank">available here</a>.</span>Jean Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03571662111325039490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-6868145940434472842009-09-18T13:24:00.012-04:002009-09-18T14:03:20.701-04:00Mint.com to be acquired by Intuit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyQeXtjdI7sPAsNFmlFTxni9XNqHUKnO2Cw1I4qLJ5OtPfp6nkhOoLscXVCKGSiKVR8xhcfzzQbR-pe3fGsRPyzwKTY4qm6wnraa-L59pDBeDqG2RbCOM_7O8Fcx_y9U7HZ-h-y74o3M/s1600-h/mint-logo1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 88px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyQeXtjdI7sPAsNFmlFTxni9XNqHUKnO2Cw1I4qLJ5OtPfp6nkhOoLscXVCKGSiKVR8xhcfzzQbR-pe3fGsRPyzwKTY4qm6wnraa-L59pDBeDqG2RbCOM_7O8Fcx_y9U7HZ-h-y74o3M/s200/mint-logo1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382869387037451634" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">This week, mint.com <a href="http://www.mint.com/press/intuit-to-acquire-mint-com/" target="_blank">announced that it will be acquired</a> by Intuit, makers of Quicken and TurboTax. I use <a href="http://www.mint.com/" target="_blank">mint.com</a> to manage my personal finances and I think it's great. With mint.com, you can combine your various online financial accounts (banking, credit card, mortgages, investments, etc.) into a single mint.com account, which makes it much easier to track your overall financial picture. There are also great budgeting and "ways to save" tools. And it's free.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Don't know how this acquisition by <a href="http://www.intuit.com/" target="_blank">Intuit</a> will affect mint.com. Hopefully, there won't be any negative changes to the website. There are also some cool opportunities for integration between mint.com and a product like TurboTax. For instance, I could imagine that TurboTax could suck in the information from mint.com that you had labeled as charitable giving.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Check out <a href="http://www.mint.com/" target="_blank">mint.com</a> if you haven't already. It's not intended for business use, but for personal use, it's really good.</span>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-64562286625155511972009-09-17T16:15:00.003-04:002009-09-18T13:58:25.470-04:00NPR's website redesign process<span style="font-family: verdana;">Nice case study </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://aiga.org/content.cfm/case-study-npr-org">at the AIGA site</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> of the redesign process undertaken by NPR of their website.</span>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-76679447863090225222009-09-14T11:51:00.032-04:002009-09-17T08:22:07.860-04:00Selecting Colors<span style="font-family:verdana;">When designing an architectural sign program how does the designer select colors? This is a fundamental question, but it is not often asked. The following is an attempt to discuss 8 factors which may influence the designer’s choice:</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_MBDHNe1283lmLrC8TpR0J54OeHmBliAgKy1RWHFKUbG_ayRAQpvPH3IRMBsOU4oGwdRaEQlGbOUm1a_eHZTCFSqFoyykaJR5yZsxOB_myZr4GN4_5CqdpHAVkLlWnz28Qr3ss8xDAc/s1600-h/35_excitement-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_MBDHNe1283lmLrC8TpR0J54OeHmBliAgKy1RWHFKUbG_ayRAQpvPH3IRMBsOU4oGwdRaEQlGbOUm1a_eHZTCFSqFoyykaJR5yZsxOB_myZr4GN4_5CqdpHAVkLlWnz28Qr3ss8xDAc/s320/35_excitement-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382169213386999714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Cultural Basis of Color</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">All cultures seem to use certain colors in particular ways. Many of these colors come from a country’s history and traditions. For those firms and individuals designing sign programs for facilities in foreign countries, some knowledge of the prevalent colors in a culture may be useful in relating the sign program to a place. Even in the United States projects involving the cultural influence of color can be encountered. An example is the design of a sign program for an elderly housing complex which caters to those of Scandinavian descent.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXi3yktBNBal1SrtDqsOVbjFeV3YOcLeCsSJnkCiFhUQRjlbkwD50mCZkuKKXJI6mflPFn2VxK93vOiA8QeErSZP6ruQYcdxid2Q3xkKgitc8qt2qzAoIIKkpVLotg7HCbS24dTWSSTo/s1600-h/07_user+requirements.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXi3yktBNBal1SrtDqsOVbjFeV3YOcLeCsSJnkCiFhUQRjlbkwD50mCZkuKKXJI6mflPFn2VxK93vOiA8QeErSZP6ruQYcdxid2Q3xkKgitc8qt2qzAoIIKkpVLotg7HCbS24dTWSSTo/s320/07_user+requirements.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382137593716148930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Symbolic Meaning of Color</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Colors are associated with certain objects and feelings. Intense, basic red, for example, is associated with blood, tomatoes, danger, fire, excitement, and action. It commands attention. Primary yellow is associated with the sun, lemons, caution, and gold. It tends to be both an uplifting and commanding color. The same color may have different associations in different countries. Again, those designers working on projects outside the United States should try to be aware of the differences.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCaFuJeE-3NnNxcIGt6P3kB81ODnq3Mz-bZx71-AZuGiSAUr29Z-9rwuEu24NxXS1WJjXhtv-BDXViaCdnWQkUwUUmamgktLe7-UCZ9o5rK-EgOEtlC4CTYjdHjFwDyn5TbsAPCakxo8/s1600-h/27_color+trends.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCaFuJeE-3NnNxcIGt6P3kB81ODnq3Mz-bZx71-AZuGiSAUr29Z-9rwuEu24NxXS1WJjXhtv-BDXViaCdnWQkUwUUmamgktLe7-UCZ9o5rK-EgOEtlC4CTYjdHjFwDyn5TbsAPCakxo8/s320/27_color+trends.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382138249590868914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Color Trends</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Throughout history certain colors have been used in a given period. In the 1950’s pink and black was a trend. In the 1960’s natural colors became popular. Currently a deep green color is used by many companies in their advertising to associate themselves with the "green movement". When creating an architectural sign program the designer tries to select colors based upon more significant parameters than what is currently popular.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Personal Taste</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Often colors are selected by the designer because "he likes them". While this is sometimes successful, it is not a significant enough reason to choose colors for an architectural sign program.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyLaerFWQYT-rmi2-J2-ZjGxKe9t9cH7WVHteImFip0v45bLitymfROVQPHH4aw0Th57Mop5kFR5ByMzPfr80hdz9t5GH6uIpXWi5DCGG5z_BGdgxBIyUEZasYLUoMTsuP9WUeOWzK9A/s1600-h/50_knowledge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyLaerFWQYT-rmi2-J2-ZjGxKe9t9cH7WVHteImFip0v45bLitymfROVQPHH4aw0Th57Mop5kFR5ByMzPfr80hdz9t5GH6uIpXWi5DCGG5z_BGdgxBIyUEZasYLUoMTsuP9WUeOWzK9A/s320/50_knowledge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382138550432831122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Existing Environment</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The existing interior and exterior project environment includes colors that can affect the design of an architectural sign program. The colors selected can either compliment or contrast with the existing colors. This can be difficult if many materials and colors are used for walls. Usually a neutral color scheme can be found.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwuSUUTNCXwSeva8iv90buR2midles4Gdo8DYBWocu_N4_vcVfidxHYTsk6fL-cogByDVlfO6eovqWhQkwKmnjHV2qKfYyBs8pUdv49UC705NkeRw_apoql6OQUSZNbXLYrKO0miI1RE/s1600-h/25_color+symbolism.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwuSUUTNCXwSeva8iv90buR2midles4Gdo8DYBWocu_N4_vcVfidxHYTsk6fL-cogByDVlfO6eovqWhQkwKmnjHV2qKfYyBs8pUdv49UC705NkeRw_apoql6OQUSZNbXLYrKO0miI1RE/s320/25_color+symbolism.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382138971357199074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Corporate and Institutional Identity</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Many corporations and institutions establish specific colors to be used for various items, such as their logo, building exterior, packaging, and vehicles. In some cases the colors are designated for signs and must be used.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Visibility</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The ability to see the sign message clearly depends upon many factors, such as character height, character spacing, and illumination. Contrasting colors for the sign message and background can aid in visibility. While not mandated the message is usually black or white with a more expressive color chosen for the background.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UjYYEde5mTsBIgY4xdtZRmzec3I1a0OIE3jWCSdUtC3934PkFZwFCF3LjMaRPIbkdBzqpiWCtegGgHJCv1nlt9gDFIB34AwQs7aWmd1l6zFs_q2O8px7pBKv7y9DBG29_uj_pzsU7g0/s1600-h/06_4+primary+factors.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UjYYEde5mTsBIgY4xdtZRmzec3I1a0OIE3jWCSdUtC3934PkFZwFCF3LjMaRPIbkdBzqpiWCtegGgHJCv1nlt9gDFIB34AwQs7aWmd1l6zFs_q2O8px7pBKv7y9DBG29_uj_pzsU7g0/s320/06_4+primary+factors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382139617471810994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Color Combinations</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Perhaps the most subjective area of color selection involves the topic of color combinations. Why do some colors "look good" with certain other colors? While theories exist, it is usually a trial and error process, involving drawings and/or mock-ups.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">All photographs by Peter A.Calvin, <a href="http://www.petercalvin.com/" target="_blank">petercalvin.com</a><br /><br />© 2009 Peter A. Calvin</span>Anthony Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02955189522106524461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-9837592967915946352009-09-08T11:51:00.003-04:002009-09-08T11:54:52.910-04:00IKEA's Typeface Dilemma<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Recently, I saw some online articles and blog-posts on IKEA's typeface change. I think this is an important issue. The use of typeface affects company branding, and thus how the audience perceives the company and its products. Details, such as choice of typeface, don't seem to matter that much, but they do have a subliminal effect to the viewer.<br /><br />Futura and Verdana were created at different times for different purposes. Futura is one of the best typefaces that has been used over the years, and its geometrical characters have a beauty that you don't see in many other typefaces. It was created in the 1920's and intended for printing, and it doesn't read well on the screen unless used in a larger size. Verdana was created during the 1990's, and it shows its best value when viewed on screen. The serif is exaggerated, and the lowercase letters have tall x-height for easy reading of small type. However, when it is printed, especially in a large size, the letterform looks too exaggerated. They both have great value, but don't work too well when used in the medium for which they weren't created.<br /><br />I just saw the IKEA online catalog, which has the same layouts as the printed catalog. I clicked some of the online pages while I was flipping through the printed catalog, and I can see why Verdana was used for screen viewing, but still miss Futura in the print catalog very much. I don't know what is the best answer to this dilemma, knowing that designing the two versions with different typefaces would result in almost double the production time.<br /><br />I believe the IKEA's typeface change ended up showing the company's vision on their products and sensitivity on their design. This is the issue which affects many companies who have similar branding issues.</span>Hisako Matsuihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04455314266039720348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-59473975674154547402009-09-03T14:52:00.015-04:002009-09-03T15:19:20.215-04:00Roadway sign type study by Ralf Herrmann<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This is a useful research and type study for roadway signs. Through the author's step-by-step studies, we can see the difference between the existing typefaces and his new creation.<br /><br />He emphasizes the importance of legibility and creates a new typeface by exaggerating details of letters in order to stress the individual letterform. It is good to see his sensitivity on typography and letterforms, and on stroke width differentiation used on light/dark background colors.<br /><br />His study prompts us to reexamine our own roadway signs in the US.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a href="http://opentype.info/blog/2009/09/02/designing-the-ultimate-wayfinding-typeface/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Click here to read Ralf’s article.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Hisako Matsuihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04455314266039720348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867531000234093791.post-3304729040049628612009-08-31T09:33:00.005-04:002009-08-31T09:56:48.567-04:00Blogs, News, and Other Links: August 2009<p style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="http://www.arrowsandicons.com/" target="_blank">Arrows and Icons Launches</a></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: verdana;">A new online magazine for the EGD community was launched this month.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://blog.fd2s.com/2009/08/8-wayfinding-voices-to-follow-on-twitter/" target="_blank">EGD Tweeters</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">People and organizations in the EGD community that are on Twitter.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/ellen-lupton/design-your-life/when-design-too-good" target="_blank">US Border Sign Removed</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">A sign at a US-Canada border crossing designed by Pentagram is being dismantled because of fears that it will be target for terrorists.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://historicsites.wordpress.com/2009/08/26/historic-sites-sign-strategy/" target="_blank">Signs at Historic Sites</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">Post on the National Trust Historic Sites blog about signs at historic sites.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesignagefoundation.org/nsrec/Home/tabid/103/Default.aspx" target="_blank">National Signage Research and Education Conference</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">October 13-15 in Cincinnati.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www2.canada.com/surreynow/news/story.html?id=b6bbdaab-c2bd-44cb-97e9-8dfa0c45f843" target="_blank">College Students Build 'Wayfinder' For Their School</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">Two students at Simon Fraser University in Canada built an interactive "wayfinder" kiosk for navigating around the campus.</p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1919127,00.html" target="_blank">The Uproar Over IKEA's Typeface Change</a></b><br /><p style="font-family: verdana;">There's a lot of chatter about this on the web.</p>Anton Veigashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01652516713036804516noreply@blogger.com0